Spring break travel to Mexico on the mend

Published 6:00 pm, Friday, March 12, 2010

Despite travel advisories issued for parts of Mexico, some say its popularity as a spring break and summer destination is starting to rebound.

After the Swine Flu or H1N1 outbreak occurred in Mexico mid-spring break season last year, tourism from foreign countries came nearly to a halt. Violence in the country's border towns and elsewhere also was and, at least for locals, continues to be a deterrent for some, travel agents said.

For many, though, the cheaper airfares and hotel rates being offered now and for those booking early for summer are enough to lure them in.

"Mexico is a great deal compared to everything else right now," said C.W. Porter at Amera Travel Network.

According to data from travel Web site Travelocity, average international air fare prices are up about 3 percent and hotel costs down about 3 percent from last year. However, their data shows, in Mexico both airfare and hotel prices are down, in large part because carriers were forced to adjust prices during the significantly diminished demand seen throughout much of 2009.

"Now Mexico is reaping the benefits of cheap travel costs with the return of spring breakers who are looking for deals," Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity senior editor, said in a statement.

Overall in 2009, according to previous releases from the country's Tourism Ministry, Mexico saw an about 15 percent decline in foreign tourism revenue in 2009 compared with 2008.

Much of that decline was due to H1N1, which first was reported in April and was followed in May by a 49 percent fall in tourism compared to May of 2008.

Midlander Bob Landreth at Travel Associates said Mexico's overall decline in Texas tourists also was a result of falling oil prices and a depressed economy.

"Last summer was just a disaster," he said, of the travel industry.

Since, according to Travelocity data, Mexico's share of travel during the first part of 2010 has come up about 25 percent and likely will continue growing.

Travel agents said Midlanders still aren't lining up to book spring break trips. But, they said, it is looking better than last year and Mexico already is a hot spot for those making summer plans.

The U.S. Department of State and the Texas Department of Public Safety released advisories earlier this year warning spring breakers to stay away from border cities.

"There is an increase in Mexican drug cartel related violence in the northern Mexican border cities," said DPS director Steven C. McCraw, in a statement. "Parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety cannot be guaranteed."

In other cities, though, travel agents said, Midlanders have little to fear, especially when traveling to resort destination like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel and other places that are again becoming popular.

"It's just like anywhere you go," Landreth said. "If you were to go to New York City you want to be careful where you go and when you go. Going around by yourself is an invite to problems."

Aside from violence, Landreth and Porter said, spring break travel is rarely truly cheap so many are sticking close to home and planning ahead for summer trips when flexibility in dates can make traveling more affordable.

For those wanting to take a trip this week, they said, it's probably best to rule out Mexico and take a drive as most flights out of Midland are close to booked and any remaining tickets will not be budget-friendly.